Paddle down the Colorado River

America’s Most Endangered River

Photo by Paxson Woelber

6 million years in the making

For over 6 million years, the Colorado River has carved out its place on
Earth. It spans over 1,450 miles, beginning in the Rocky Mountains in
Colorado and ending the Gulf of California in Mexico. The Colorado River
serves as a lifeline in the arid Western United States. It graces 7 states, 2
countries, and 9 national parks, nourishing the lives of 36 million people
and endangered wildlife. Millions depend on the river for irrigation, water
supply, and hydroelectric power. However, excessive water consumption and
outdated management have endangered the Colorado River.

Photo by Peter McBride

A river endangered

The Colorado River is one of the most dammed, diverted, and plumbed rivers in
the world -- by the time the Colorado River reaches the Gulf of California in
Mexico, it’s so tapped out that the river runs dry. For these reasons,
American Rivers named it America’s Most Endangered River in 2013. While
climate change and population growth are factors in the river’s decline, the
biggest threat is outdated water management. The river’s water is
over-allocated. At this rate, there isn’t enough water to support everyone
and everything that depends on it. The Colorado River is in real danger and a
recreation economy, water supply, and wildlife habitat hang in the balance.
To learn more, visit American Rivers.

Help the river run

Google Maps teamed up with American Rivers to put the Colorado River in
Street View. Dive into the 360 imagery to float down the river from Lake
Powell to Lake Mead and see the entire length of Grand Canyon National Park
from the river. Paddle through 279 miles of cold water, or hike up one of 5
trails into the rich, red walls of the side canyons. Our partnership will
preserve the Colorado River in Street View, but visit American Rivers to
learn about how to protect and restore this endangered river for the
longterm.